Guidelines to Buy CRM

Getting the right solution at the very first attempt is quite a difficult task. More so, when it comes to choice of CRM system for your business, it can be a difficult and time consuming process against vendors vying a deal.

The initial step to buy CRM is to ensure that the sales team and the business executives along with the business decision makers are aware of CRM system and the core CRM setup.

The below guidelines to CRM purchase provide an unbiased information to help prioritize an organization's needs and objectives, and enhance the decision-making process so that you can have the new CRM system up and running at the earliest. Simple and easy to understand, these can help businesses of all sizes in finding the right vendor.

Understand the CRM Concept

As mentioned above, once you are aware of the CRM system you should ask your vendor for the obvious and see if they can explain the functionality in simple terms, for the CRM system is full of jargons and buzzwords. If the vendor cannot provide a convincing explanation on the functionality of their product - do not buy it.

Define your CRM Requirement

Once the fundamental CRM concepts are understood, it is important that the top executives and the decision makers sit down to clearly decide upon the requirements for implementing CRM system. Compromises are natural down the road but the exercise will surely help you avoid being confused at the CRM marketplace.

Frame your CRM Objectives

When you consider CRM as software, it is tempting to nibble just a piece of CRM software to solve immediate problem. However, it is necessary that you frame your company's long-term objectives around the CRM process than on the CRM software, as this would reduce overall implementation costs and business complications.

Shortlist your CRM Vendors

After you have got your business objectives clear, the next step is to list down vendors who match your requirements. Extract from vendors the real cost of adopting their solutions and be cautious about the hidden fees.

Deal with Several CRM Players

Getting the real cost of a CRM system is tough, especially when deployment involves third-party intervention. However, you should submit your RFP to the few short listed vendors and wait for them to provide you a good deal. This even helps to analyze if the vendors understand your needs and requirements.

Invite Meetings and Demos

Truly, no one understands your business better than you. Invite vendors to prove they can satisfy your needs in your business environment. A customized demo allows you to evaluate the CRM system-giving a clear picture of meeting your needs.

Compare and Negotiate

There are quite many CRM comparison tools available by which you can conduct a feature level and pricing level comparison before concluding to a specific CRM solution.

Deploy your CRM Solution

Once you have all the information, it becomes easy to choose the CRM vendor that meets all your CRM needs. Introduce the system slowly so that users get comfortable with the new solution without being forced to complete a job.

Note

It is recommended that you communicate extensively within your organization on the exact benefits of CRM for your company and gradually it will surface whether CRM software is the right solution for your company needs or you should go for something other than CRM.